‘Psychoactive’ drinks for mental health?

A new market is emerging for ‘psychoactive’ drinks, which claim that their naturally derived ingredients from fruit, plants and roots have a positive impact on cognitive health.

Properties from Panax Ginseng, a root naturally occurring in Asia, are said to fight idiopathic chronic fatigue, while blueberries are said to be antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects, while also reducing depressive symptoms. Further, the polyphenol and apigenin naturally found in chamomile and the passionflower are reported to have a positive effect on symptoms of depression and anxiety.

While the claims are impressive, falling back on naturally occurring ingredients is not as easy as it sounds. Read more about this challenge here.